What the World Can Learn From Gay-Straight Friendships
At around midnight in a sweaty crowd at Crews & Tangos, one of Toronto’s popular L.G.B.T.Q. bars, I watched my friend hop onstage to rip a shot of tequila with Jada Shada Hudson, our favorite drag performer, as Nicki Minaj’s “Super Bass” pulsated through the venue.
It was a classically lit Saturday at Crews. But there was one detail that some people might not expect: Stephen, the guy onstage in the floral tank top, was straight.
I’m gay, and Stephen has been my best friend for 10 years. Our bond has unique value to both of us. We enjoy blasting forehands on the tennis court, discussing love and heartache and crying with laughter.
But also, our friendship has helped us open up other worlds that felt closed off before. It’s like getting a passport to a new country.
